Calculating Earth's Speed Around the Sun

In summary, the Earth travels around the sun in a circular orbit with a radius of 150 million km and takes 365 days to complete one cycle. To find its speed, we can use the formula v = d/t, where d is the circumference of the orbit and t is the time taken. Using the radius given, we can calculate the circumference to be approximately 942 million km. Converting to meters and dividing by the time in seconds, we get a speed of 29,800 m/s. This confirms the correct answer given.
  • #1
1irishman
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0

Homework Statement



The Earth travels around the sun in a circle of radius 150 million km and does a complete cycle in about 365 days. Find its speed.

Homework Equations



v= d/t

The Attempt at a Solution



d = 1000m/1km x 150,000,000km = 1.5 x 10^11m
There are 31,536,000 seconds in 1year.
v = 1.5 x 10^11/31,536,000 = 4.7 x 10^18 they say this is wrong answer and the right answer is actually 29 800 m/s.
Please help? Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Find the circumference of Earth's orbit. You used the radius.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
d = circumfrence = 2piR= 2 * 3.1415 * 150 * 10^6km
t = 365 day.
s = d(in meters) / t(in seconds)
 
  • #4
it's been solved...i calculated circumferance and it worked out to be the right answer. thank you!
 

Related to Calculating Earth's Speed Around the Sun

What is the formula for calculating Earth's speed around the Sun?

The formula for calculating Earth's speed around the Sun is v = 2πr / T, where v is the speed, r is the radius of Earth's orbit, and T is the time it takes for Earth to complete one full orbit around the Sun.

What is the average speed of Earth around the Sun?

The average speed of Earth around the Sun is approximately 107,000 kilometers per hour (km/h), or 67,000 miles per hour (mph). This is calculated by dividing the distance of Earth's orbit around the Sun (940 million km or 584 million miles) by the time it takes to complete one full orbit (365.25 days).

How does Earth's speed around the Sun affect the length of a year?

Earth's speed around the Sun is directly related to the length of a year. The faster Earth moves, the shorter the year becomes. This is because the time it takes for Earth to complete one full orbit around the Sun remains constant, but the distance it travels in that time changes based on its speed.

What factors can cause variations in Earth's speed around the Sun?

The main factors that can cause variations in Earth's speed around the Sun are the gravitational pull of other planets and the slight elliptical shape of Earth's orbit. The gravitational pull of other planets can slightly alter Earth's orbit, causing its speed to fluctuate. Additionally, Earth's orbit is not a perfect circle, so it travels at different speeds at different points in its orbit.

How do scientists measure Earth's speed around the Sun?

Scientists use various methods to measure Earth's speed around the Sun, including radar measurements, astronomical observations, and calculations based on gravitational forces. These methods allow scientists to accurately determine Earth's speed and track any changes over time.

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